The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie suggested yesterday that an official decision has been made about a successor to replace Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who will demit office in less than two weeks.

However, Mr Christie refused to say what the final decision is when questioned by The Tribune yesterday.

When asked about it, Mr Christie said: “Why do you think I will make the final decision? But yes, I imagine the choice has been made by now.”

Sir Arthur Foulkes is expected to demit office on July 8, during the week of festivities in celebration of the country’s 41st year of independence.

For weeks, public speculation has grown over who will be appointed as governor general. Dame Marguerite Pindling, the wife of former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, is said to be the front runner for the appointment. Last week Mr Christie confirmed that she is being considered for the post.

However her consideration has been brought into question after it was revealed that the real property tax account for her home in western New Providence fell into arrears. Last week The Tribune reported that, according to documents obtained by this newspaper, payments had not been made since 2000, the year Sir Lynden died.

However, the bill of more than $306,000 was paid in full after the information was made public.

Branville McCartney, Democratic National Alliance leader, told reporters on Monday that if he were Prime Minister he would not appoint Dame Marguerite to replace Sir Arthur.

“I respect Lady Pindling,” Mr McCartney said. “I highly admire her as a person. But based on circumstances, I would have to look elsewhere. The fact is that she is a public official. On many occasions she has served as the Deputy Governor General. But for her to be given the title of Governor General would not bode well for our country. I think people forget that the Governor General is the highest position in the country.”